Chinese team to inspect Korala customs
Summary
China is sending a team from Lhasa to inspect Nepal’s Korala border point in Mustang as it pushes to develop the crossing into an international trade route. The visit could lead to upgrades in infrastructure and expand the route’s role in trade, pilgrimage travel and regional connectivity.
Key Points
- China has shown interest in turning Korala in Mustang into an international border crossing and has sent a proposal to Nepal’s Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport.
- A Chinese team, including officials from the Chinese Embassy in Nepal and Nepal’s Foreign Ministry, is scheduled to visit the site from Tibet for an on-site study.
- Korala is already being used for trade, including Chinese exports such as electric vehicles, and could also support imports from Nepal like handicrafts, medicinal herbs and pashmina.
- Local and national representatives say Nepal should use China’s interest to strengthen infrastructure and improve the route’s role in trade and religious tourism.
